The remaking of the librarian: average customer review 3 out of 5

Abstract

In a world of rapid change, librarians often ponder their future, their shifting roles, even what they should call themselves and their libraries. This paper looks at some of these issues in the context of an academic library, the University of Hong Kong Libraries, and looks at the dilemmas facing librarians altering their traditional collection development policies through a growing emphasis on electronic resources as well as attempting to reinvent themselves to be closer aligned with their institution’s teaching and learning processes. The author also draws on his previous experience where experimental integration of libraries, education support and technology services resulted in improved services for students and a variety of experiences for librarians. Through two very different surveys at the University of Hong Kong, a biennial climate survey and a smaller targeted faculty survey, the author considers the views of the University’s users in the context of the changes being undertaken by librarians at his institution.